Find out how popular the first name Takeshi has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Takeshi by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Takeshi is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Takeshi being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Takeshi.

The history of the first name Takeshi

The given name Takeshi originates from Japan, deriving from the Japanese words "take", meaning bamboo, and "shi", meaning samurai or warrior. This name became popular during the feudal era of Japanese history, spanning from the 12th to the 19th century.

The earliest recorded mention of the name Takeshi can be found in historical records and literary works from the Kamakura period (1185-1333 AD). During this time, the samurai class rose to prominence, and names reflecting strength, valor, and connection to nature were favored.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Takeshi was Takeshi Kawaji, a renowned samurai who lived in the late 16th century. He served under the powerful daimyo (feudal lord) Toyotomi Hideyoshi and was renowned for his exceptional swordsmanship and military tactics.

In the Edo period (1603-1868 AD), the name Takeshi continued to be popular among the samurai class. A notable figure from this era was Takeshi Ishikawa (1640-1718), a skilled swordsman and instructor who founded his own school of swordsmanship.

As Japan entered the modern era, the name Takeshi remained widely used. One of the most famous individuals with this name was Takeshi Kitano (born 1947), a renowned actor, filmmaker, and comedian known for his unique artistic style and comedic talents.

Another notable Takeshi was Takeshi Kudo (1832-1918), a prominent educator and philosopher during the Meiji era. He played a significant role in shaping Japan's modern education system and advocating for the importance of moral education.

In more recent times, Takeshi Obata (born 1969) has gained recognition as a celebrated manga artist, best known for his work on the popular series "Death Note" and "Bakuman".

Throughout its history, the name Takeshi has carried connotations of strength, resilience, and connection to traditional Japanese values. Its enduring popularity reflects the cultural significance and appreciation for names rooted in Japan's rich heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Takeshi was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Takeshi, please contact us.

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